Nigeria’s aviation sector is heading toward a potential nationwide disruption as domestic airlines warn they may suspend all flight operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over the rising cost of aviation fuel.
The warning, issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria, comes amid a fresh surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which operators say has become unsustainable for continued operations.
Industry data shows that aviation fuel prices have skyrocketed by more than 300% in recent months—jumping from about ₦900 per litre in late February to as high as ₦3,300 per litre in some locations. Airlines describe the increase as “astronomical,” alleging that pricing does not reflect global market trends.
Fuel accounts for over 40% of airline operating costs in Nigeria, placing immense pressure on carriers already struggling with high operational expenses and price-sensitive passengers. Many operators say they can no longer absorb the rising costs without risking financial collapse.
Threat of Nationwide Disruption
If the shutdown proceeds, flights across major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano could be grounded, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Beyond travel disruptions, experts warn of broader economic consequences. The aviation sector supports thousands of jobs and plays a critical role in business travel, cargo movement, and national connectivity. A prolonged shutdown could ripple through multiple sectors, including banking, trade, and healthcare logistics.
Government Intervention and Ongoing Talks
The crisis follows an earlier shutdown threat scheduled for April 20, which was temporarily suspended after intervention by the Federal Government. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had appealed to airlines to remain operational while negotiations continued.
President Bola Tinubu is also reported to have approved partial debt relief measures for airlines and directed further engagement on fuel pricing issues.
Despite these efforts, operators insist that the core problem—high fuel costs—remains unresolved, prompting the renewed threat of a shutdown.
Calls for Urgent Solutions
Industry stakeholders are calling for immediate government action, including:
- Direct intervention to stabilize Jet A1 fuel prices
- Reduction or removal of certain aviation charges
- Increased use of local refining capacity, including supply from the Dangote Refinery, to reduce dependence on imports
